Hunter likes to eat a lot. He and his brother Forest have a lot of energy. He really likes to do arts and crafts and play games. Most of the time he has a very sweet disposition. He is very keen to interact with adults. That being said if an adult is too rough with him things will start to escalate. If an adult tries to swat at him or restrain him in someway he may attempt to bite. Hunter can speak pretty well but he can’t always communicate what’s going on with his emotions. Hunter responds best to strong male figures. An attentive dad is key to a positive adoption for him. He is in grade 4 here but he can’t read, write, do math, or anything like that right now. He is schooled by himself and school mostly consists of arts and crafts. He is not unintelligent but very delayed. He likes soccer. He would be great in an attentive family where he and his brothers will get much attention and where they will be by far the youngest children. I would adopt him myself if I could be as focused on him and his brothers as he needs a dad and mom to be and if we had the space for them along with our current 3. He enjoys picking fruit and cleaning in the orphanage. He is never been far from the orphanage and he is interested in coming to America. He has communicated that he really wants to come to America and really wants a papa.

Forest likes to eat a lot. He does school the same way his brother Hunter does. He is considered to be in the second grade. Very sweet but also very active. Like his older brother, he needs to need a lot of attention to keep him from unintended harm. He likes to be outside. He has minor institutional self harming tendencies like scratching himself to leave marks. He does not do that a lot though. Forest loves to give hugs and kisses and hold hands with the adults.

Ridge, the youngest brother was born in Aug 2008
Stenosis of pulmonary artery; currently he does not require surgery. Tuberculin skin test – positive?

Ridge likes to clean. He was mopping the floor with an adult sized mop as I wrote this. He is a very small but sweet boy. He’s a very peaceful and charming child. He is not in school yet but he seems to be the most intellectual of his brothers. He will likely do better in school then his brothers when he gets the chance. He is so cute it is hard to imagine him spending another day without a family. When the boys orphanage shuts down Ridge will be separated from his brothers for several months because he is not old enough to go with his older brothers. I expect this will be a very traumatic time for him, so if a family could come for him as soon as possible that would be best. No family should hesitate to adopt these children as long as they are available to give the time and attention that these children deserve. If that is done the children will flourish.

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

New pic January 2017! Isn’t Rhyder handsome? He needs a loving family to help him with his medical needs. 14 years old now. Rhyder is a very nice boy! He has had several operations, and currently wears diapers. He has “Absolutely normal mental development.”

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

This lovely boy has a long list of diagnoses, but SO much potential for growth in a loving family! MORE PHOTOS AVAILABLE. Married couples only. Travel required. Older parents & larger families welcome.

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

From a family who visited him in 2015: He is calm when being walked around but becomes over stimulated easily. He is getting close to being transferred and this will be terrible for him. In the baby house the caregivers have more time to spend with him. In an institution I can see him just being constantly sedated… This handsome little guy needs out now!!!!

From a family who met him in 2014:

Wylie is a sweet boy, and obviously loved by the nannies. They often stooped down to talk to him, and walked hand in hand with him. He walked constantly, clapping his hands and smiling. He exhibited what I would describe as autistic tendencies. I don’t recall ever hearing him speak. One day he wondered out of his groupa (apparently the door wasn’t latched) into the common area we were visiting out son in. My husband took his hand and led him back. He has a special place in our hearts and we pray someone will see him and choose him. I would be glad to talk to anyone interested. He is precious. He’s at a great baby house, that is very pro-adoption, and in a faster region than most.

*** This child has significant facial features of FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome). This is a cautionary disclosure to better prepare our potential adoptive families. Families considering this child should research and be prepared for the challenges that can come with this condition. You can learn more about FAS here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_alcohol_syndrome and post to our Facebook group to ask other adoptive parents about the challenges and blessings of children with FAS. ***

$41.50
has been donated towards the cost of my adoption!

Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each Waiting Child Donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund, as well!

*** This child has significant facial features of FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome). This is a cautionary disclosure to better prepare our potential adoptive families. Families considering this child should research the challenges that can come with this condition. You can learn more about FAS here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_alcohol_syndrome and post to our Facebook group to ask other adoptive parents about the challenges and blessings of children with FAS. ***

$63.00
has been donated towards the cost of my adoption!

Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each Waiting Child Donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund, as well!

Carolina is such a beautiful girl; beautiful brown hair with olive skin. She has cerebral palsy, and does wear AFO’s on both feet.

From her medical records: Cerebral palsy, convergent squint, mental delay. She can walk by supporter or holding one hand. She says separate words, understands simple speech, is affectionate and friendly. Physical therapy and a loving family will bring MIRACLES for this little girl!

Carolina was transferred in 2011to a boarding school (not an institution).

New pic January 2017!

UPDATE August 2013:

Carolina is a beautiful girl! She is about 4ft tall and about 50lbs. Her CP affects her mostly from the knees down. She does have cytomegalovirus. This was reconfirmed last year, but we were not able to find out if it is active, or if she merely was exposed while her mother was pregnant with her. CMV does cause brain damage if a baby is exposed in utero, so a family needs to be prepared for that, or for the fact that is IS transmissible when it flares. She is very strong and she does make her likes and dislikes known. Her biggest love is candy…but not chocolate! She likes white chocolate a lot though. She likes dolls, and can undress them herself. She has good use of her hands. She gets around by crawling or knee walking, which is great. Knee walking shows her hips are nice and strong. She loves to “dance.” Dancing, to her, is an adult bouncing her up and down for as long as you can stand to do it. She gets quite unhappy when you stop to take a break. The nannies make her walk a bit while holding onto hands, but her legs and feet are just not able to line up with her being so tight. She is very strong. She loves cell phones and will try to snatch them at any opportunity. A toy cell phone that plays music would be nice for her. She speaks, though it is like a toddler. She repeats the same few things over and over, but she does say a couple other words and used them correctly. She understands much more though and the caretakers speak to her in complete sentences. She just loves to move and bounce and be twirled around. She likes BIG movements. She was very briefly startled by my husband, but quickly discovered he could bounce her around longer and higher than I could…and so she quickly preferred him!

Carolina does have some institutional behaviors that a family needs to be prepared for. Her moods change quickly, and when she gets upset, she can throw herself to the floor, even injuring herself. She will hit, pull hair,etc if she is upset. She will throw large toys as well. The caretakers love her, but did express that she would likely not engage or interact with kids bigger than her, and would be likely to assert herself over anyone smaller. That is just how life in these places is. Families without small children would be best for her. An involved, hands-on Papa would be ideal, and a trampoline would be out of this world for her.

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

From a volunteer who visited with him in July 2014: ” Nash is still this very small boy. He has the size of a pre schooler. He is really cute though. He loves to have a man around. He showed my boyfriend all around the place. He loves to blow little wind mills and play games together. He doesn’t really speak the language they speak in his country, but he does make all kinds of ‘words’. He actually tries to make you understand and every now and then there will be an actual word in it, which makes it easier to understand what he says. He is potty trained and he understands language and knows quite well how to read the body language of the nurses. He’s a big help for the nurses, he carries toys inside and pushes wheelchairs. We suspect that he has some kind of visual impairment. He had the glasses of my boyfriend on for a moment and he seemed to be able to see much more, but I’m no eye doctor, so I can’t say for sure. All I can say is that this boy desperately needs out. He is quite healthy and he needs a family where he can blossom. He is an amazing boy and I have tons of pictures and a couple videos of him, where he shows his own goofy self. So please don’t let this boy wait any longer. Many of his friends from the orphanage have been adopted, but he is still listed. I want him out there! I want someone to see his potential and love him all the way home!

From a family who met him in Dec 2013: He seemed to be rocking more persistently. I noticed when music was being played or when we would actively engage him play he would rock nervously. However, he is a wonderfully sweet spirited child and is eager to please. He would always great us with a formal, “hello” and then lead us to take a seat. He never missed an opprotunity to rush out of the groupa and jump in our laps or include himself in whatever game we were playing with our boys. He so desperately wants to be loved. He called me, “Mama” and it broke my heart…how I wish I could have taken this precious boy as well. There were many days that we noticed him strapped to a chair or straight jacketed; I am not sure why because I never saw any self injurious behavior from him. He is very impulsive and easily excited but his joy simply radiates a room. He desperately deserves to be loved, valued and wanted….he only aims to please. The first thought that came to mind upon meeting him was, “He does NOT belong here”….he is so smart…though his speech is often slurred; but only slightly. He seems to be minorly effected by his hydrocephaly and gets along very well. His poor little hands do shake though; probably as a result of the pressure on his brain. I am unsure if he has been shunted or not; I felt around his head one day and did not feel the bump that would indicate he has. If he has not been shunted then that makes his case even more urgent. He desperately needs out! This boy has ALL the potential in the world…he just needs the right parents to break him free! I also have a video with him in it, if a family is interested.

From someone who met Nash in 2012: Nash is a wonderful little boy. He is always quick to excitedly greet visitors with happy squeals and a formal hello, and is quite insistent visitors take a seat in the chair he brings over to them 🙂 He is very helpful and obedient, and will sometimes bring toys over to the smaller kids in his group who cannot get toys for themselves. He is very talkative, but a lot of what he says is sort of like “Nash”-ese. He has no problem getting his point across, however, if it is important to him that you understand him! He likes to play with just about any toy; balls, legos, cars, light up toys, you name it he will play with it. He enjoys being silly and laughing, and especially thrives with one on one attention. He is generally a happy little guy, but does not like messes or rule breaking, and is not afraid to tell the other children “No” or try to right their wrongs if they are misbehaving. He very much aims to please! I feel Nash would adjust easily to and thrive in a family!

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!! Eugene is really a GIRL! After all this time, we have learned he is a SHE. Dark brown hair and blue-green eyes. She has severe CP, but has recently started walking! Jewell is the victim of parental physical abuse, and suffers from post-traumatic brain injury, which has further complicated her delays and struggles.

Updated medical and pictures 8/2015:

She has after-effects of severe brain injury (brain bones fracture), subarachnoidal influence in the form of irreversable damage, hemiplegia with microcephaly.

Dark brown hair and blue-green eyes. She has severe CP, but has recently started walking!

Jewell is the victim of parental physical abuse, and suffers from post-traumatic brain injury, which has further complicated her delays and struggles.

She does have a sister with mild delays whom she can be adopted with or by herself

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

Sweet Chantelle has a list of diagnoses, but her main need is a loving family! A family could help her reach her potential and save her from a life in a crib.

From a family who met her in fall 2013:
Chantelle is mostly kept in a laying room although I did seen her out in the main groupa room laying down in a gated play area. I believe she can roll around. I saw her holding things in her hands as well. She has a calm, sweet spirit and I had her smiling in the first minute of seeing her. I touched her precious little face and told her I loved her and she smiled. The other kids seem to love her and they liked going into the laying room to take pictures of her with me. Chantelle so needs a family now! She won’t be kept at the baby house much longer. She is soooo beautiful, the pictures really don’t do her justice.

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

Nicholas is officially diagnosed with FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome). His delay is considered significant. He needs a loving family to help him achieve all he can be. He does not appear to have any additional medical complications from his FAS. This picture makes him seem to have vision problems, but I think it’s just a bad picture.

Listed: August 5, 2010

If you are unfamiliar with FAS, please spend some time researching this condition. Just as with Down syndrome, FAS and FAE have a wide variation of effects on each child, both medically, physically, and cognitively. This is typically dependent on how long during the pregnancy the mother consumed alcohol, and of course, how much. There is no way to know this ahead of time.

New pic January 2017. Noah has been sent to the institution, and is clearly paying the price. The neglect is astounding 🙁 He;s been waiting with us for 6 years already. Let’s find his family!

Noah is a sweet boy with light brown hair and big blue eyes. He was born with CP and is significantly cognitively delayed. He is not able to walk at this time, but loves to be held and loves attention and affection.

His possibilities are endless!

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

Photo dated Feb 2010. Kenneth is a blonde haired, blue eyed cutie who was born with FAS. Kenneth does have some spasticity on his left side, and will greatly benefit from therapy and a loving family to encourage him! He is diagnosed with hydrocephaly, but this is a result of the FAS. He is not in need of a shunt to correct (the doctors say).

Listed: August 5, 2010

As you can see from this updated picture, Kenneth is doing GREAT! He wants a mama and papa of his own.

If you are unfamiliar with FAS, please spend some time researching this condition. Just as with Down syndrome, FAS and FAE have a wide variation of effects on each child, both medically, physically, and cognitively. This is typically dependent on how long during the pregnancy the mother consumed alcohol, and of course, how much. There is no way to know this ahead of time.

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

Oh Darina, how she has regressed :((( We had such a darling photo of her from two years ago, and to see her like this now breaks my heart. She could have come so far and been spared this ;(

Darina struggles with CP. She has compensated internal hydrocephaly as well. She is not able to walk on her own. From her medical records: congenital brain abnormality, atopic-astenic syndrome, delay of mental and motor development, microcephaly, hip dysplasia, congenital isotropy of both eyes, koch valga to the left (foot position)

Listed: June 21, 2010

Darina is facing the institution soon and will remain bedridden for life if she is not adopted.

Samson was born with CP and struggles with epilepsy. He has optic nerve sub-atrophy, and will do great in a family who has experience with vision impairments! The caregivers say he has a great personality! Samson has so much potential!

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.
For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

Matvey is such a cute little boy, with blonde curls! He is cognitively delayed, but does not seem to have any official diagnosis other than that. He has amazing potential!! He was transferred to another region in 2010.

Please give this little guy a chance to fulfill his potential! One of our own adoptive families who visited with him in March 2008 shared this with us: “This little guy did NOT want to be photographed! He was quite happy doing whatever he was doing before being brought into the room but having his picture taken was not high on his priority list. He has “deep mental delay” (understand that this is according to Eastern European standards — he was more aware and alert than a child with Down syndrome might be at the same age). I can’t tell you his eye color because he down-right refused to look at me, but those blonde curls sure were cute!”

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.
For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

Jason spends his time either in a crib or in a stroller, sitting outside.

He needs a lot of love and attention … He is a good, sweet child, but he has a lot of self-injuring behaviors. Unfortunately, he is often restrained because he hits himself really hard.

From a family who visited with him in June 2013: I saw Jason this morning. I got to take him for a walk in the stroller, play with him, feed him (twice!), and get him ready for his nap. He is wonderful. He loved it when I made my hand crawl up his belly and tickle him under the chin. I was rewarded with loud laughing and a huge smile. He liked to have me rub his feet, and whenever I would stop he would stick his little foot up for more. He makes noises but he does not talk. He can walk if he holds both of your hands, but he prefers to crawl as he can go faster. He is the king of the bouncy seat. He sits in it whenever he can, and he shooed away another child who came too close. 😉 He is about the size of a four year old and is in a 4/5 shirt. He’s heavier than I thought he would be, but I can carry him easily. I’m totally in love.

From a volunteer who visited with her in August 2016:Irina’s update from last year is still very accurate. Her introvert and shy behaviors got more though. She prefers not to interact at all. It took me half of our trip to get her to trust me enough to walk around the building with us and she would still not look at me. She avoids any eye contact. She did enjoy the attention though. She still loves to sit on someones lap. She has grown even more than last year. This year she had become too heavy for me to carry her.

I think Irina wants to get out of the facility. She was transferred to this facility a couple years ago. Before she lived here, she lived in a ‘normal orphanage’ with a special needs group. When they lost their funding she was transferred here. When we take her for a walk she walks to the gate and she just stares at the world outside of those gates. She realizes there is an entire world out there. One day the nurses saw us at the gate though and they yelled at us for minutes. We were not allowed to take Irina there, she could walk away. The gate is closed and locked and we were there with her, so there was no way she’d walk away, but from that day on Irina was even more closed and she lost most of the initiative while walking. She even lost her interest in the swing. She needs someone she can trust, someone who she’ll know will stay and will love her. She has already been listed for so long! She needs a family!

From a volunteer who visited with her in July 2015: ” Irina is a beautiful girl with dark hair and big dark eyes. She has a cleft palate. She is a precious and happy little girl. She loves personal attention. She is craving attention and physical touch. If it was up to her she’d be held and hugged all day. She can react really shy to people who talk to her and especially when yelled at, she will become really introvert. She is a really sweet girl. Irina is a physically quite healthy girl. She is well nourished, she can walk, run, swing, etc. Her physical development is good, compared with the other children in the same facility. She seems to have a strong body. She knows how to use a swing properly and can swing by herself. She enjoys it a lot. She can play accurate with toys, like dolls, or pretend play with kitchen tools. She knows how to walk stairs. She can dress and undress herself. She can drink from a cup and eat by herself. She is potty trained and will tell if she has to use the bathroom. She doesn’t talk, most likely because of her cleft palate. She doesn’t make noises, but her eyes express a lot about how she feels. And her smile will tell you when she enjoys something. She understands what is being said to her and she can follow orders. When Irina is in the group, she’ll try to stay away from the others. She prefers to play by herself, but she is also capable of interacting with other children or adults. She prefers to play with children who are smaller or younger than her, probably because they are no threat to her. Last year I saw how she was being bullied by other (bigger) children. She tries to flee from bullies (and from yelling), but there is nowhere to go. This year she is doing much better. She has grown physically, which made her less of a target for the bigger children. Maybe also because new smaller children are in the group now. Sometimes she’s still the target of bullying and harming behaviour, but at other moments she will show these behaviours herself. She can be a bully to the smaller children herself. I think this is her way of showing that she is stronger now, but this is no good development. The longer children are in this facility, the more harming behaviour they show. Irina is still able to receive love, but time is ticking away. She needs a family. She would thrive in a family where she could be ‘the baby’.”

If you are unfamiliar with FAS, please spend some time researching this condition. Just as with Down syndrome, FAS and FAE have a wide variation of effects on each child, both medically, physically, and cognitively. This is typically dependent on how long during the pregnancy the mother consumed alcohol, and of course, how much. There is no way to know this ahead of time.

Irina has been transferred to the older child internat now. Elinor, Devora, Julia, Sullivan, Artemur, Duane, Abner and Irina may all be in the same region.

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

She will remain bedridden and restrained for the rest of her life is she is not adopted. Janie is a beautiful little girl who struggles with the effects of FAS. She also has CP and some effects of hydrocephaly. She is not able to walk on her own, and will need the loving and patient care of a family to help her achieve her potential.

If you are unfamiliar with FAS, please spend some time researching this condition. Just as with Down syndrome, FAS and FAE have a wide variation of effects on each child, both medically, physically, and cognitively. This is typically dependent on how long during the pregnancy the mother consumed alcohol, and of course, how much. There is no way to know this ahead of time.

This beautiful, brown haired, blue eyed angel was born with a lot of strikes stacked against her. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t deserve a voice or a chance to have a family who loves her and can help her be all she is able!

NEW PHOTO DECEMBER 2016! What a blessing to finally have a new photo of her. She looks well, and in a decent orphanage. She has waited TOO LONG for a family! Would any family take a leap of blind faith to save her? She will remain bedridden the rest of her short life if not.

Wendy is a beautiful girl with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. She was born quite premature (not sure which gestational week, but it is listed as “4th stage”). She has CP and is completely blind, with congenital cataracts in both eyes, optic sub-atrophy, and microcephaly.

From her medical records: Microcephaly, tetraparesis, delayed psychomotor development due to perinatal CNS lesions. Congenital malformations of eye, cataracts, microphthalmia of both eyes.

An experienced adoptive family of institutionalized children is preferred. Married couples only. Older parents and large families welcome.

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

FINALLY, an update for Miranda. January 2017. This is the miserable life of a child stuck in an institution. She needs a FAMILY.

What a beautiful little girl! Wispy blonde hair and bright blue eyes! Miranda is healthy and developing well out side of her CP. She is an orphanage favorite. Waiting for more info on her ability to walk/speak, etc.

She has two younger siblings, their status is not known.

She was transferred from her baby home, and still waits for her family. She has been listed for SO long!!

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

Valery was born with CP and spina bifida. She has significant strabismus and “progressive hydrocephaly”. She is not able to walk, and is significantly delayed in all aspects. But she is still beautiful and deserving and can truly thrive in a loving family, with access to adequate medical care and nutrition. Valery will remain bedridden for life, and will likely not survive the transfer to the institution. Won’t someone consider being her “forever family”?

Listed: June 20, 2010

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

UPDATE MAY 2016: He easily relates to both children and staff. He likes to play with the children from his group. He responds when addressed by name and enjoys receiving attention.. He shows interest in all kinds of toys, but his top favorites are the stuffed ones. He has been included in a special remedial and training program created by a local university where he is involved in game therapy, individual activities,and kinesitherapy. The child struggles with his participation in the training activities due to easily being distracted. He will look with interest at bright objects, pictures and books. He likes to listen to music.He takes an active part in the music classes and in physical education activities.

Marty is described as a quiet and even-tempered child who has adapted quickly to the routine and daily schedule at the institution. He is able to walk independently. He assists with dressing and undressing himself and is learning to feed himself as well. He goes to the toilet when reminded to do so by the staff. He is not yet speaking but demonstrates understanding and follows basic requests.

He plays with other children and interacts well with adults. He responds to his name and loves attention from the caregivers. He has a special bond with one specific care giver. He loves to play with toys and shows a preference for stuffed animals. Marty has already been transferred to an institution.

UPDATE March 2014: He is a calm and quiet boy; good general condition; walks independently; eats, dresses/undresses and puts his shoes on independently; a 5th-grade student at an auxiliary school; vocalizes; understands what he is told; scribbles; establishes contact with other children and staff members; loves getting attention and being caressed; follows simple instructions; has formed a relationship of emotional attachment with one of the staff members; loves listening to music.

SINGLE MOMS, OLDER PARENTS, & LARGE FAMILIES WELCOME, EASY TRAVEL. MULTIPLE CHILDREN CAN BE ADOPTED AT THE SAME TIME.

Sergey needs a loving family who can help him achieve his full potential. He is destined to be bedridden for his very short life if he is not adopted. he is able to sit on his own and does his best to get around. He is significantly delayed and really needs a family! Sergey is facing imminent transfer to the institution.

Nate is a handsome young man! He was born with CP, and has some vision problems as a result of CMV (cytomegalovirus). He has brown hair and big brown eyes. He is not able to walk on his own, but he will truly blossom in a loving family, who can provide the therapy and encouragement he needs. We are hoping to learn if he is being treated for the CMV, but he is asymptomatic at this time.

BOY, born May 2007
This handsome young man, with dark hair and dark eyes, was born with a rare genetic condition called Stickler Syndrome. His medical records also indicate microcephaly, a common symptom of SS.

Listed: June 3, 2010

Update May 2016: Jared has been transferred a while ago from his baby orphanage.

Individuals with Stickler syndrome experience a range of signs and symptoms. Some people have no signs and symptoms; others have some or all of the features described below. In addition, each feature of this syndrome may vary from subtle to severe.

A characteristic feature of Stickler syndrome is a somewhat flattened facial appearance. This is caused by underdeveloped bones in the middle of the face, including the cheekbones and the bridge of the nose. A particular group of physical features, called the Pierre Robin sequence, is common in children with Stickler syndrome. Robin sequence includes a U-shaped or sometimes V-shaped cleft palate (an opening in the roof of the mouth) with a tongue that is too large for the space formed by the small lower jaw. Children with a cleft palate are also prone to ear infections and occasionally swallowing difficulties.

Many people with Stickler syndrome are very nearsighted (described as having high myopia) because of the shape of the eye. People with eye involvement are prone to increased pressure within the eye (ocular hypertension) which could lead to glaucoma and tearing or detachment of the light-sensitive retina of the eye (retinal detachment). Cataract may also present as an ocular complication associated with Stickler’s Syndrome. The jelly-like substance within the eye (the vitreous humour) has a distinctive appearance in the types of Stickler syndrome associated with the COL2A1 and COL11A1genes. As a result regular appointments to a specialist ophthalmologist are advised. The type of Stickler syndrome associated with the COL11A2 gene does not affect the eye.

People with this syndrome have problems that affect things other than the eyes and ears. Arthritis, abnormality to ends of long bones, vertebrae abnormality, curvature of the spine, scoliosis, joint pain, and double jointedness are all problems that can occur in the bones and joints. Physical characteristics of people with Stickler can include flat cheeks, flat nasal bridge, small upper jaw, pronounced upper lip groove, small lower jaw, and palate abnormalities, these tend to lessen with age and normal growth and palate abnormalities can be treated with routine surgery.

Another sign of Stickler syndrome is mild to severe hearing loss that, for some people, may be progressive (see hearing loss with craniofacial syndromes). The joints of affected children and young adults may be very flexible (hypermobile). Arthritis often appears at an early age and worsens as a person gets older. Learning difficulties, not intelligence, can also occur because of hearing and sight impairments if the school is not informed and the student is not assisted within the learning environment.

Stickler syndrome is thought to be associated with an increased incidence of mitral valve prolapse of the heart, although no definitive research supports this.

This 4 years old girl has been diagnosed with PDD – Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency (PDD), Spastic quadriplegia with axial hypotonia, microcephaly and dismrphic facies. She has rehabilitation every day and is on a special Pyruvate dehydrogenase diet due to the PDD.

Listed: Dec 6, 2016

She is a little sweet girl with big brown eyes, white skin and auburn hair. She has small feet and such tiny legs. She is very sociable and emotional child, who loves attention and loves the contact with adults and children. The staff reported that she grabs a toy with her right hand and holds it for a short time. She really loves to be tickled on the legs and laughs with voice. She can stay in a sitting position in chair alone.

UPDATE 2017:

Kimmy stands with the help of an adult. She is relaxed, calm and laughs. Kimmy pronounces different sounds with a melody and likes communicating with adults. She likes games and songs. The family history of the child is that one sibling was diagnosed of a brain tumor and passed away and another died of pneumonia. Kimmy has a delay in physical and psychomotor development and she requires special care. Kimmy received a microcephaly diagnosis and the presence of metabolic encephalopathy was suspected. She has also been diagnosed with infantile cerebral paralysis – spastic quadriparesis type.

Because we only have this child’s file for a short time, she will not be able to receive donations until a family is found for her.

An I600a must be filed by February 2018; otherwise she will age out and be unavailable for adoption.

It is hard to say if she wants to be adopted. Now she is close to age out and perhaps anybody could try to melt her fear. She is a very good girl with a good potential. She likes to dance in her wheel-chair, she participates in competitions. She is very active and a sports girl. She could participate in para-Olympic games.

I highly recommend her to a family living close to different activities to give her a chance to go in for sports.

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds. For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

From a family who knows him, November 2016: “Kayden was transferred to the institution last month. He is so full of sunshine and does not belong here! He still drinks from a bottle, but our team is trying to teach him to eat from a spoon. He can sit up, but does not crawl or walk. Kayden loves people and easily engages when we talk to him. He makes great eye contact and has the best little giggle. He is ticklish too! We are hoping and praying for a family to come take him out while he still has light in his eyes.”

$18.00
has been donated towards the cost of my adoption!

Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each Waiting Child Donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund, as well!

Ashford enjoys the presence of adults and emotionally expresses himself with laughter, crying and sounds. He laughs when tickled and smiles when he sees familiar faces. Ashford is unable to sit, stand, nor does he have head control. He prefers to be on his stomach. He does not have coordinated movement of his arms or legs and has little ability to hold a toy. Ashford’s diagnosis is Microcephaly. He was born prematurely and received intervention at the hospital at birth. Some history of convulsions, controlled with medication. Suspicion of left nasal atresia.

B/c we only have his file for a short time, donations will not be accepted until a family is found.

Amos is a sweet young boy is suffers from Hydrocephalus, Agenesis of the corpus Kalozum, as well as a mental delay. He walks independently and can run and play with the other children. His fine motor skills are poorly developed. He doesn’t control his emotions by crying when thing don’t go his way. He enjoys the attention of others. Amos can also be impulsive and selfish by taking the other toys for himself. He communicates well and how much depends on his mood. Amos shows lots of curiosity in asking questions and participating in different sports games. He is independent in eating and personal hygiene and likes to help out with the chores. Amos is outgoing and not a shy kid. He enjoys building, play dough, and toys. He cannot read or write.

I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds. For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

Percy is sitting alone and tries to crawl. Takes toys alone and plays with them. He puts cube /small ball/ into box. He recognizes his caregiver and is clam around children and known adults. He is uneasy, when he is outside around unknown people.

$0.00
has been donated towards the cost of my adoption!

Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each Waiting Child Donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund, as well!

Vinny is an adorable little boy that is living in an orphanage in Eastern Europe. He has poor muscle tone and active movements. Coordination is poor as well due to walking on his toes when trying to step (with help). He is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. At the age of 3 months old, he began reacting to sound and looking at objects. Vinny has good control of his head and can roll on his stomach and back. He does not attempt to walk and he has trouble sitting without support. He has spastically increased muscle tone. He does well holding objects but does not pass them hand to hand, but rather to his mouth. Vinny has a good attention span and does well with recognizing individuals. His behavior is calm and very playful when being interacted with. He listens when being communicated with and tries to interact back with syllables and noises. Vinny is a picky eater and very dependent on the work staff.

$9.70
has been donated towards the cost of my adoption!

Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each Waiting Child Donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund, as well!

Roger is a handsome young man who will be 12 years old this fall. He has many facial features of FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome). This dear boy is listed as having “childhood autism” — if it is truly autism or autistic behaviors due to orphanage life and his other special needs, we really don’t know.

He is said to have encephalopathy (unspecified disease of the brain), Childhood autism, and moderate mental delays.

He also has vision problems: Convergent concomitant strabismus (crossing eyes) and hypermetropia (far-sighted); and is said to be anemic.

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

This calm little guy came up to me with pleading eyes for attention and is just so polite. God has heard his prayers, and now he is listed for adoption! He is not overbearing or competitive at all. Rather, he is observant and inquisitive. He is about the size of a six year-old and just so gentle. I would take him home in a heartbeat if he was available before. He takes turns riding the red wagon around the orphanage grounds as the bigger boys pull him, and he gestures politely for fresh fruit when he sees it is available. He is kind to other children. He says a few words in his native language, and listened carefully when I was giving descriptions of my family photos. I have confidence that he would do wonderfully in any kind of family, and it is obvious– he can surely reciprocate love! He enjoyed throwing balls, going on walks, playing see-saw, and listening to English descriptions. Whoever adopts this little love will be so blessed to call him a beloved son.

She is a very sweet and kind girl and extremely needs a family. She will be 5 this December, so any new family may commit to her and start preparing a dossier.

She has siblings, but none are available for adoption; 2 older sisters live with birth mother and 1 younger sister has been adopted.

From a family who met her in summer 2013:
She was in my kids’ groupa. She is the sweetest little thing and needs out of there ASAP!!! She has the most noble quiet nature about her. She is mentally delayed but has so much potential. She was one of the least favored children in the orphanage and she is desperate for love. On one occasion she wandered over to the play shelter where we were playing and was trying to eat our daughter’s cookie. We didn’t have any extra (we brought treats for the groupa every three days or so) so my husband just picked her up to distract her and as soon as he did, she threw her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder just soaking in the attention. I can’t bear the thought of her being transferred! She already has it bad enough.

$6,434.75
has been donated towards the cost of my adoption!

Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each Waiting Child Donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund, as well!

Boy, born early 2012
Mixed specific developmental disorder. Psycho-motor and language development delay. Dysmorphism (a specific form of the head and lower jaw)

Listed: July 2017

The boy has brown eyes and light brown hair. The boy has a disability status, his development doesn’t correspond to his age, he doesn’t speak. The boy attends specialized kindergarten and consultations of speech therapist. He can’t eat egg white, bananas, milk, white bread, and sweets. He had a genetic analysis performed and there was no genetic pathology found.

The boy’s characterization provided by the teacher of the kindergarten (2016.) – the boy attends kindergarten since August 2014. In June 2014 pedagogically medical commission has given an opinion that the boy needs special education pre-school program for children with mental development disorders. The boy is kind-hearted, sunny and curious, an observer, but sometimes can be spiteful, wants to be the leader of his peers and also adults. He likes to play with the construction materials and the big toy cars. He observes adults around him and imitates cooking and cleaning. Helps to clean the group and to lay the table according to his abilities in the kindergarten. Tries to take a part in the sports activities in the kindergarten. The boy has acquired self-care skills partially, can eat independently, has started to go to the potty without assistance, but still needs to use diapers. His attention and concentration skills are low.

$9.00
has been donated towards the cost of my adoption!

Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each Waiting Child Donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund, as well!

Ainsley has Congenital hydrocephaly, Syndrome of spastic quadriparesis, has delay in physical development. Ainsley expresses interest towards things that catch his attention. He can remember and recognize where things are and how to use them. Ainsley does well in a routine-oriented environment. Ainsley is working on pronouncing his name correctly.

Ainsley is ready to come into a family who will love him and care for him! Videos are available from his agency!

B/c we only have his file for a short time, donations will not be able to be accepted until a family is found for him.

Marlon has grey eyes and light color hair. Since September 2016 the boy attends pre-school education group, he has adjusted well in the group. He has speech therapy in order to improve his speech. He is very active, joyful and merry by nature. He likes to play with other children in the foster family, to sing together or listen to the fairy-tales. He likes to observe nature and to watch cartoons.

$9.00
has been donated towards the cost of my adoption!

Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each Waiting Child Donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund, as well!

Five siblings: half-brother, born summer 2006; brother, born summer 2009; sister, born spring 2011; sister, born spring 2012; and sister born spring 2013

Listed: July 2017

Friedrich has blue eyes and blonde hair. He finished 4th grade at school. The boy studies according to his abilities with a help of support activities. If he is not provoked for aggression, he is very thoughtful, diligent and precise in classes. He enjoys to play with Lego, likes to draw, make things from various materials, as well as he likes to sing and dance. The boy is nice and sincere by character, he is bonded to his siblings and he is always good to them, has never been aggressive towards them. The adopters should take into consideration that the boy’s behavior issues endanger himself and others around, as during the episodes of aggression the boy becomes affective and he is not able to calm down for a long period of time. Diagnosed with mixed disorder of behavior and emotions. He agrees to be adopted only together with his siblings.

Kurt has blue eyes and light color hair. He is quiet and sincere child. He likes various TV shows and enjoys playing various games outside. The boy has learning difficulties and he needs to study according to specialized curriculum. The boy attends speech therapist, sand therapy and he loves to attend modern dance classes. The boy wishes to sing in a choir because he likes to sing. He has difficulties with reading, but he is admirably hardworking, he works a lot additionally by himself as he wishes to gain recognition. The boy is bonded to his siblings. He is diagnosed with small stature and needs a consultation with an endocrinologist.

Liesl has blue eyes and blonde hair. The girl attends kindergarten, she gladly plays with other children, she likes to draw and sing. She is hard-working in the learning process, but she is not successful in many things, she finds it difficult to learn letters and do writing tasks, her attention is unstable. The girl may sometimes have urinary problems. She tries to put her belongings in order, is able to dress herself, she is friendly and sweet in communication with others. She is joyful by nature, although sometimes may be naughty, but it is possible to come to an agreement with her. The girl is close to her siblings, especially to the oldest half-brother. She is diagnosed with nocturnal enuresis and a behavior disorder.

Louisa has brown eyes and light color hair. The girl enjoys to play with other children, she colors, draws and sings. She has a good voice and she can keep the tune. The girl is diligent and hard-working, she helps the foster mother in the household jobs. She is friendly and sweet in communication with others. The girl is close to her siblings with whom she lives together, and she is happy to meet her other siblings (Fredrich and Liesl). She is diagnosed with a speech and language development delay.

Brigitta has brown eyes and brown hair. The girl enjoys to play with her siblings, with whom she lives together (Louisa and Kurt), towards other children she is more reserved. By character she is more naughty than Louisa, with difficulty obeys instructions, tends to argue, sometimes may be aggressive towards others, to get her way may even bite others. The girl likes to sing, to color coloring books, to make various hairstyles and to dress up. The girl is close to her siblings with whom she lives together, and she is happy to meet her other siblings (Fredrich and Liesl). She is diagnosed with a speech and language development delay.

All five children meet each other regularly, because the foster families are friends with each other. They celebrate together the children’s name days and birthdays, as well as participate in events for foster families.

$13.50
has been donated towards the cost of my adoption!

Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each Waiting Child Donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund, as well!

The boy has greyish-brown eyes and brown hair. The boy smiles a lot, he likes contact with other people, is interested in toys, likes to be outside, enjoys taking bath. When the boy lays on his stomach, he tries to raise his head and hold it for a short time. He eats well porridge or root vegetables with meat, he is spoon-fed. Mostly is seated in a specialized chair with head positioning.

Physiotherapist: tone imbalance. Slight spastic distally, active reflexes, weak torso; Weak head and torso control in all positions against gravity. In lying down on the back position the head is turned to the right, turns to the abdomen without lifting his head from the surface. The head in comparison to body proportionally large. Poor attention and motivation persistence. Interested in flashing, scintillating texture items. Emotionally labile. The development dynamics is minimal.

$6.30
has been donated towards the cost of my adoption!

Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each Waiting Child Donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund, as well!

The boy has blue eyes and blonde hair. He is benevolent, likes to be in the focus of attention, he builds contact with ease. The boy likes to play with toys. He requires elevated supervision and cannot eat or drink independently. He still does not walk and talk; adopters should take into consideration that the boy may choke with food, if it is of hard consistence. The boy has severe health problems, he cannot get off a sofa independently and may fall, he needs constant supervision and needs to be strapped in a pushchair. The child suffered from physical abuse, as a result he has multiple location intracerebral haemorrhages, multiple subdural hematoma, multiple rib fractures, symptomatic seizures, psycho-motor development delay.

$40.50
has been donated towards the cost of my adoption!

Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each Waiting Child Donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund, as well!

Branden has bluish-green eyes and light brown hair. He is sunny, inquisitive and very active boy, who likes attention and communication. Branden was placed in an out-of-family care institution (from foster care) at the age of 3 years and 5 months. The adaptation period in the orphanage was successful, the boy was friendly and cute, the attention span was sustainable, physical development corresponded the age, language development was delayed.

Branden’s overall development progresses well, although the development of language is without change, attention span is less sustainable, he is more careless. General movements are free, the boy freely moves, runs, climbs up and down the stairs. Branden is very active and inquisitive. He shows interest in the surrounding area and events, as well as activities of adults and other children. He is friendly and builds contact gladly also with less known people. The boy is interested in toys, but often the interest is unstable, he plays a little bit and then looks for another toy. Needs to be motivated to continue and finish the started play. The boy tends to be inattentive, has unstable attention, wants to rush everything. Language development lags behind age norms and progress is very minimal. The boy responds to his name, he comprehends and reacts adequately on daily instructions. Uses few words in short form in his active speech, but in most occasions uses inarticulate exclamation sounds, vocabulary has not progressed. Passive (receptive) vocabulary is wider. Keenly observes and leafs through picture books, but he cannot show the asked object or name it himself. Self-skills well trained, independent eating and drinking, knows his cot, is able to dress himself partially, can undress, is not yet able to fasten clothes with buttons or zips, goes to toilet after reminder, sometimes goes independently.

Branden does have older siblings, but they have been legally separated by the courts.

$65.30
has been donated towards the cost of my adoption!

Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each Waiting Child Donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund, as well!

Karen loves social interaction and receiving lots of love and attention. She has several special needs conditions, which include CP, microcephaly, epilepsy and Strabismus. Despite these challenges, she is able to do many things. She can crawl to get around and walk with assistance. She also does well playing alone with toys and if one catches her attention she will spend a long time studying it and playing with it. She especially enjoys noise maker toys. Karen is non-verbal and her communication consists of syllabic patterns. She makes attempts to repeat different sounds and syllables. She has no trouble bonding with her caretakers and does not have any issues with eating or sleeping.

B/c we only have her file for a short time, we will not be able to accept donations until a family is found for her

Sade has been diagnosed with Holoprosencephaly and is currently residing in a specialized facility where she received medical care and permanent rehabilitation services. Sade enjoys interacting with adults and will communicate with them by touching their face and laughing when they tease her. She happily observes other children at play and displays a mostly calm personality. It has been reported that, although her movements are stereotypical, she is staring to develop control over fine motor skills and her gross motor skills are improving as well. Sade needs a family that will nurture her and help her get the ongoing care that she needs.

From the orphanage: The girl needs a family asap. She is a kind child surviving with no parents. She requires much individual care because her educational ability is very low. In her orphanage she does not follow instructions; her vocabulary is very poor; she is severe speech delayed. She does not like to play with other children in her orphanage, she is on her own. She wants more attention than her caregivers are able to provide her with.

$261.90
has been donated towards the cost of my adoption!

Your gift will serve ALL of the children, as 10% of each Waiting Child Donation is shared with our Voice of Hope fund, as well!

Pia was born in 2002 and has been diagnosed with spina bifida (which has been surgically addressed), infantile cerebral palsy, club feet, slight lower paraparesis, and mild developmental delays.

Listed: Feb 2017

Pia is an inquisitive and sociable teen who shows a generally positive attitude. She has a well-developed active vocabulary and easily makes conversation. Pia is oriented in time and space and her thinking is moving toward being abstract and logical. Pia participates in group games, interacts with peers, and enjoys individual attention. She loves music.

Pia walks independently though with a slightly unstable gait. Her gross and fine motor skills are well-developed and she has good self-help skills, including for hygiene and eating.

Pia currently attends 8th grade and receives integrated education with a resource teacher. She wishes to be adopted. Families who have met Pia would be happy to speak with anyone interested in bringing her home.

Update March 2017: In an update received on Pia this month, she is described as a diligent, responsible teen who is willing to learn new things. She regularly attends school and is meeting the goals of her IEP. Pia can read and write, including by dictation, as well as solve math problems. She is also studying English as a foreign language. Pia is respectful toward adults and has good relationships with her peers among whom she prefers to be a leader. She enjoys playing on the tablet, watching TV, drawing and coloring. Pia dreams of having a family and would love to have younger siblings.

Please contact the agency for information about a substantial grant offered by a private donor.

*** I am eligible for an Older Child Grant! Grant funding is dependent on a completed application and available funds.For more information, visit: Other Angels Older Child Grant***

Andy is very persistent! He tries to reach for a toy that interests him. He was diagnosed with spastic quadriparesis, Hypotrophy II degree, Epilepsy, Luxation of the left hip, and physical and cognitive developmental delays. He is receiving good care and is monitored by a neurologist. Andy really needs someone who can show him what unconditional love looks like and care for him. We hope you can be the one to give him a loving home he deserves!